Pencil-sharpener.



J. ANDERSON. PENCIL SHARPENER. APPLICATION FILED 11.20, 1909.

Patented sepn 6,1910.

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JOSEPH ANDERSON, OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA.

PENCIL-SHARPENER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 6, 1910.

Application filed March 20, 1909. Serial No. 484,716.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Josnrrr ANDERSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at San Diego, in the county of San Diego and State of California, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Pencil-Sharpeners, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

This invention relates to a cutting device of the type adapted to point or taper the end of articles and is more especially clesigned for the sharpening of pencils or the like. Most of the prior tools along this line with which I am familiar have been more or less defective or objectionable in practice, owing to their complexity and the frequent adjustment necessary to keep them in proper order, and it is one of the objects of the present invention to provide a tool for the purpose stated, which is simple in construction, cheap to manufacture, and at the same time, owing to the peculiar construction and arrangement of parts, possessing the advantages of efficiency in operation.

It is contemplated to provide a tool which is portable in character and by reason of the possible minuteness of the article owing to the few number of parts, the device may be carried in the pocket, andto this end a protecting casing which may constitute the body part of the implement, is provided and which casing is free from protuberances, since such of the operating parts as proj ect beyond the inclosing casing in the operation of the tool may be collapsed and occupy a position fiat against the side walls of the casing when the tool is not in use.

Again, the tool is of a character making it susceptible for use as a pencil holder and with this in View retaining means may be provided for attaching the same to the apparel of the user.

Novel details of construction and arrangement of parts will be specifically referred to hereinafter in the description, which for a correct interpretation thereof should be considered in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof and wherein satisfactory embodiments of the invention are disclosed, for the purpose of illustration.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view, disclosing the tool for use as a pencil I erence holder with attaching means for the latter, Fig. 2 is a vertical section, Fig. 8 is a similar section, disclosing the cutting members in operative engagement with a pencil being sharpened, Fig. 4c is a section on the line 4cl of Fig. 3, Fig. 5 is a detail view of one of the cutter carrying members removed, Fig. 6 is a transverse section of the same, and Fig. 7 is an elevation partly in section of a slightly modified form.

WVith more particular reference to the drawings and bearing in mind that like refcharacters denote corresponding parts throughout the several views, a main or body part is provided comprising a front A, back B, sides C, and top D all of which parts are connected, conveniently an integral construction, and fashioned to form a relatively thin or fiat rectangular frame. The. said rectangular frame is preferably open at its lower end E and the top plate D has an opening d conveniently centrally thereof and preferably round for the loose reception of a pencil of the ordinary size and shape. Members E with a flat rear surface 6 and longitudinally curved inner surface 0, are pivoted one upon each side of the rectangular frame by means of pins F, adapted to pass through cooperating apertures in the front and rear surfaces A and B of the rectangular frame and said members E. These members E constitute the carrying members for the cutting tools proper. The pins F offer no obstruction beyond the surface of the frame and are adapted to be disengaged as desired to release the members E for any purpose. The said members E extend substantially throughout the length of the rectangular frame and normally occupy a position to the rear of the wall surrounding the opening d in the top D, the upper surfaces of the members E being curved at e to facilitate their swinging movement about the pivotal connection formed by the pins F.

The cutting members proper comprise substantially fiat blades G with relatively thin cutting edges g, and are secured in position conveniently by fitting the body portion thereof in slots g in the respective carrying members or holders E. These slots are arranged vertically at an inclination, there being two in each member E, and the cutting blades of the respective members when positioned incline from a point adjacent the outer edges of the members E at their upper ends, toward one another downward, whereby is provided in each member E a tapering recess between the two blades thereof. As previously described, the members E normally occupy a position to one side of the opening (Z in the head of the body support, and will offer no obstruction to the free insertion or positioning of a pencil to be sharpened. Means are provided for adjusting the members E and in turn the two pairs of cutting blades about the pivotal connection F, the said means conveniently comprising rods H threaded into apertures in the rear surfaces of the members E adjacent the lower ends of the latter, and the said rods H passing through longitudinal slots in in the sides C of the body part. Upon the outer ends of the rods H are knobs or engaging members I, constituting means whereby the members E may be swung about their pivotal connection F. The rods I are preferably curved, as shown in the drawings, and in view of this construction and the construction of slots it, it will be observed that when not in use the members E may be swung about their pivots and in this position the engag ing members I will occupy a position flat against the surfaces of the sides C of the rectangular frame or body part. A cushioning member K taking the form of a washer is mounted upon the top plate D of the rectangular frame and the opening thereof is slightly smaller than the opening (Z of said top D. A common means is provided for securing said cushioning means and retaining pins F in position, said means comprising a cap member L adapted to fit snugly over the upper end of the rectangular frame or body part and extending downwardly to a point beyond the connection of the pins F. Vhile it is preferred to have the cap member L detachable and only held in position by a frictional engagement, still if desired, the same may be secured in position by any suitable means. The cap member L has an opening Z therein in registration with the opening k of the cushioning member and the opening (Z of the top plate and is of a size slightly larger than the opening 70 of the cushioning member.

The operation of the tool may be briefly described as follows: The pencil or article to be pointed or sharpened is inserted through the respective openings in the cap plate L, cushioning member K, and top plate D into the rectangular frame the desired distance corresponding to the desired length of the point to be provided, which insertion is not hindered by any obstructions within the rectangular frame. When the pencil is properly positioned pressure is applied to the engaging members I conveniently by the thumb and forefinger of one hand when the cutting edges 9 of the blades G will be brought into contact with that portion of the pencil to be sharpened. By rotating the pencil back and forth, while maintaining pressure on the engaging devices, the pencil will be readily sharpened or pointed. By reason of the inclined position of theblades G, the proper taper to the pencil is obtained. These blades Gr may be detachably mounted in the slots 9 or permanently secured, it being preferable, however, to have the blades detachable, in order that the same may be renewed, if necessary. WVhen the tool is not in use, as previously stated, the engaging devices of the members E may occupy substantially flat positions against the sides of the rectangular frame and the device as a whole may be carried in the pocket, without any danger of cutting or tearing.

By reason of the fact that the opening in the cushioning member K is smaller than the openings of the cap member L and top plate D, the pencil will not be scratched or scarred by direct engagement with the wall surrounding the openings in the cap member and top plate. Again, the peculiar construction and arrangement of the cushioning member makes it possible to utilize the tool when not in use as a sharpener, as a pencil carrier, as illustratedin Fig. l of the drawings, and to this end suitable fastening means M may be provided for attaching the tool to the garment.

It may be desirable at times to insert the cap L and cushioning member K upon the bottom of the tool body and such a structure is illustrated in Fig. 7, it being noted that the pivots F for the cutter carriers in this structure may take the form of rivets or screws as shown to prevent their accidental separation.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A tool of the character described comprising a supporting member having an opening therein for the insertion of a pencil or the like, oppositely disposed longitudinally extending cutting members pivotally connected to the support adjacent their upper ends whereby the lower ends may approach, or recede from, one another, and 0ppositely disposed operating knobs, one for each cutting member projecting through the sides of the support.

2. A tool of the character described, comprising a rectangular casing of rigid construction, the casing comprising sides and an apertured end for the insertion of a pencil or the like to be sharpened, cutting members within the casing, the cutting members having supports mounted on pivots adjacent the apertured end of the casing whereby that portion of the cutting members adja- "cent the other end of the casing may approach, or recede from one another, adjusting means for the cutting members including outwardly projecting rods on the supporting members, said rods terminating in flat knobs whereby when the cutting members are in their innermost position the knobs will lie flat against the sides of the casing.

3. A tool of the character described comprising a support-ing member constituting an inclosing casing having an opening in one of the walls thereof for the insertion of a pencil, cutting blades inclosed and protected by the casing, the blades adapted to extend at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the pencil to be sharpened, means for connecting the blades at their upper ends to the casing, and means connected to the blades and projecting through apertures in the casing for adjusting the lower ends of said cutting blades toward and from one another.

4. A tool of the character described comprising a hollow casing having a top and sides, the top having an opening for the reception of a pencil, oppositely disposed carrying members pivoted at their upper ends within the casing upon opposite sides of said opening and free at their lower ends, cutting edges on the carrying members, and an outwardly projecting rod on each carrying member extending without the casing for the purpose described.

5. A tool of the character described comprising a hollow casing having a top and sides, the top having an opening for the reception of a pencil, oppositely disposed carrying members pivoted at their upper ends within the casing upon opposite sides of said opening and free at their lower ends, a pair of oppositely inclined cutting blades on each member extending longitudinally thereof and converging downward toward one another.

6. A tool of the character described comprising a hollow casing having a top and sides, the top having an opening for the reception of a pencil, oppositely disposed carrying members pivoted at their upper ends within the casing upon opposite sides of said opening and free at their lower ends, a pair of oppositely inclined cutting blades on each member extending longitudinally thereof and converging downward toward one another, and adjusting devices for the carrying members extending without the casing.

7. In a pencil sharpener, a support having a top plate with an opening therein constituting a guide for the insertion of a pencil to be sharpened, and oppositely disposed cutting members projecting downwardly from said top and having pivotal connection at their upper ends adjacent to said top whereby said cutting members are free to swing laterally toward and from one another, and

adjusting means carried by the cutting members at a point below their pivotal connection.

8. A tool of the character described comprising a rectangular frame with a top having an opening for the reception of a pencil to be pointed, oppositely disposed carrying members within the frame and beyond the wall of the openingin the top, the said carrying members extending longitudinally of the frame and having cutting edges thereon, means for pivotally supporting the carrying members to the frame comprising pins extending through the sides of the frame and said members and a cap member adapted to fit over the top of the frame and overlap the said pins, said cap member having an opening in registration with the opening in said 9. tool of the character described comprising a supporting member having a pencil receiving opening therein, and cutting blades movably mounted on the support upon opposite sides of said opening, the blades extending longitudinally relative to the path of the inserted pencil, means for adjusting the lower ends of said cutting blades toward and from one another, and a clasp carried by the supporting member.

10. A pencil sharpener comprising a supporting frame having an opening in one of its walls for the reception of a pencil to be sharpened, oppositely disposed carrying frames, said carrying frames being arranged one upon opposite sides of said opening and pivotally connected at their upper ends so as to swing toward and from one another at their lower ends, and cutting blades on the carrying frames comprising a pair of blades extending longitudinally of each frame, and the blades of each pair converging toward one another adjacent their lower ends.

11. A tool of the character described, comprising a rectangular frame with a top having an opening for the reception of a pencil to be pointed, oppositely disposed carrying members within the frame and beyond the wall of the opening in the top, the said carrying members extending longitudinally of the frame and having cutting edges thereon, means for pivotally supporting the carrying members to the frame comprising pins extending through the sides of the frame and said members, and an adjusting knob carried by the carrying members.

12. In a tool of the character described, the combination of a support comprising an apertured top plate, integral front and back and side plates, each of the side plates having an aperture adjacent the lower end thereof, oppositely disposed cutting members within the support, carrying members for the cutting members, pivot rods extending between the front and back plates of the support adjacent the upper end thereof upon which said carrying members are mounted, and adjusting rods for the carrying members projecting through the apertures in the sides of the support, whereby the carrying members may be moved to cause the cutting members to be adjusted relative to one another.

13. In a tool of the character described, the combination of a support comprising an apertured top plate, integral front and back and side plates, each of the side plates having an aperture adjacent the lower end thereof, oppositely disposed cutting members within the support, carrying members for the cutting members comprising bars extending longitudinally within the support, the front and back plates of the support constituting guides for the edges of said carrying members, pivotal. supports for the upper ends of said carrying members, and adjusting means projecting through the sides of the casing for said carrying members, said operating means comprising a curved rod terminating in a knob portion.

14. A pencil sharpener comprising a body part and a top part, cutter members within the body part pivoted adjacent said top part, said top part having an opening therein, a cushioning member resting upon said top part, and a cap member engaging over said cushioning member and sleeved upon the body part.

15. In a pencil sharpener, the combination of a body member comprising sides and an overhanging flange at the upper end constituting a top for said body portion, which said flange surrounds an opening for a pencil to be sharpened, cutter members within the body part, pintles for pivotally supporting said cutting members projecting through the sides of the supporting member, a cushioning member resting upon the top of the body member, an apertured cap fitting over the cushioning member and having a flange engaging over the sides of the body member and the pint-les of the cutting member, and means for attaching the body member to a support.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOSEPH ANDERSON.

Witnesses:

JAs. R. W'ILSON, ANDREW SWIVEL. 

